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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 moved into high gear at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata as West Indies and Scotland faced off in a crucial Group C encounter. In a game defined by Caribbean power and Scottish grit, the highlight of the night wasn’t a towering six, but a moment of pure defensive genius in the deep that left the Kolkata crowd in awe.
Brandon McMullen takes a stunning catch to dismiss Shimron Hetmyer
The West Indies innings was anchored by a blistering knock from Shimron Hetmyer, who looked set to propel the Windies toward a 200-plus total. Entering the final stages of the innings, Hetmyer had raced to 64 off just 36 deliveries, punishing the Scottish attack with five boundaries and two massive sixes. However, the momentum shifted dramatically on the final ball of the 19th over.
Safyaan Sharif delivered a high full toss that Hetmyer looked to dispatch over the leg side. While the connection was solid, it lacked the distance to clear the ropes. Brandon McMullen, stationed at wide long-on, showcased elite athleticism as he sprinted to his left, covering significant ground in seconds. With the ball appearing to fade away from him, McMullen launched into a full-length dive, snatching the ball in his fingertips just inches above the turf.
The screamer sent Hetmyer back to the pavilion at 175/4, effectively stalling the West Indies’ death-overs charge. Despite a brief pause for a height review on the full toss, replays confirmed the ball was dipping significantly, validating one of the tournament’s best catches so far. Thanks to that breakthrough, Scotland restricted the West Indies to 182/5 a competitive but chaseable target on the lightning-fast Eden Gardens outfield.
Here’s the video:
Catch by McMullen at wide long-on as the dangerous Hetmyer departs, inches from the turf
Checked, cleared, and absolutely sensational! 💥
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #WIvSCO | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/0WePayvggJ pic.twitter.com/9lHwHGUK5f— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 7, 2026
Scotland struggles against Caribbean pace in early chase
While McMullen’s heroics provided a morale boost, the Scottish chase began under heavy pressure from the West Indies’ refurbished pace battery. Chasing a target of 183, Scotland needed a flying start, but the Men in Maroon had other plans, utilizing the evening dew and bounce to stifle the openers.
The Powerplay proved disastrous for the Scots as they slumped to 38/3 within the first six overs. Jason Holder struck early, removing Michael Jones for just 1, caught by Sherfane Rutherford. The hero of the first innings, Brandon McMullen, tried to replicate his fielding energy with the bat, hitting a four and a six during a brief 14-run cameo, but his stumps were rattled by a searing delivery from Romario Shepherd in the 5th over.
The collapse continued when George Munsey (19), who had shown glimpses of resistance, was undone by the raw pace of Shamar Joseph, leaving Scotland reeling. By the time the drinks break was called at 5.4 overs, Scotland sat at a precarious 37/3. With the required run rate climbing above 10.5 runs per over and the Win Probability favouring the West Indies at over 90%, Captain Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce face a monumental task to keep Scotland’s World Cup dreams alive in Kolkata.
Also WATCH: Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi combine to take a spectacular catch in PAK vs NED clash at T20 World Cup 2026
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
